Letter to Congress
Here is a sample letter to write to advocate for mental health education
(Month) (Day) (Year)
The Honorable (First name) (Last name)
(Room Number),
State Capitol (Zip Code)
RE: (state the topic or include the bill number, author and subject if you are writing to support or oppose a particular legislative bill)
Dear (Assembly Member/Senator) (Last name):
My name is (your first and last name) and I am a community member) who resides in your district. (State why you support mental health education and programs here. Choose up to three of the strongest points that support your position and state them clearly.) (Include a personal story. Tell your representative why the issue is important to you and how it affects you, your family member and your community.) (Tell your representative how you want her or him to vote on this issue and ask for a response. Be sure to include your name and address on both your letter and envelope.)
Sincerely, SIGN YOUR NAME Print your name Street address City, State, Zip code
Email to Congress
Below is a sample email to Congress that discusses the support of the mental health organization SAMHSA
EMAIL SUBJECT: Act Now to Support Suicide Prevention Programs!
Dear Senator/Representative [LAST NAME]:
As a community member, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization. The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization is bipartisan, budget neutral, and would reauthorize and maintain a number of critical programs that address the mental health needs of young people. It strengthens programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) by allowing funds to be used for activities such as mental health and substance use disorder services, education, training, and outreach regarding mental health to students, families, faculty, and staff. First authorized in 2004, The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act has increased access to mental health and substance use disorder services on our nation’s college and university campuses, as well as supported critically important suicide prevention initiatives for states and Tribes. Unfortunately, suicide remains the second-leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults between the ages of 10 and 24. Please ensure that these vital youth suicide programs are maintained through The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization! Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely, [NAME/TITLE/INSTITUTION]